Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 2"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #226

Replacing a storm door, identifying a paint mixer and gutter nail driver, and choosing garden tools … more

Episode #225

Corroded copper pipes, old-fashioned sheet metal cutter, and worn-out weather stripping
… more

Episode #224

Original Air Date: Week of March 18, 2004

Master electrician Allen Gallant helps a viewer install track lighting in the kitchen of her condominium. Back in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor try to identify unfamiliar objects in the "What is it?" segment. Then Richard makes a house call to help homeowners quiet their noisy baseboard heaters.


Installing Track Lighting
Electrician Allen Gallant and the homeowner installed a new track lighting system with low-voltage halogen lamps.

Where to Find It
The track lighting system that Allen installed was manufactured by:
Lightolier
800-217-7722

The system is available from:
Wolfers Lighting
617-254-0700

What Is It?
Tom, Roger, Richard, and Kevin examined an unusual item and tried to guess how it's used.

Where to Find It
Tom demonstrated Sheetrock drywall repair clips, which can be purchased from many hardware stores and home centers, including Aubuchon Hardware:

They are manufactured by:
United States Gypsum Company
125 South Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60606-4678

Quieting Noisy Baseboard Heaters
The homeowners' baseboard heating system made clicking and creaking noises whenever the heating system came on. Richard explained that the copper pipes inside the baseboard expand as the temperature increases; the noises that the homeowners heard were the result of friction between the expanding pipes and the support brackets.

Where to Find It
Richard explained to the homeowner that the bushings he used to release the friction between the return pipe and the metal carriers can be made from foam pipe insulation, strips of lead, or even cardboard. Most plumbing supply companies also carry plastic clips and spacers specifically designed to support copper pipes.

In some circumstances, this approach may not completely eliminate the noises. In these situations, it may be necessary to lower the operating temperature of the boiler to minimize the expansion and contraction of the copper pipes.

Ask This Old House #223

Radiant heat, a cable saw for PVC, and painting aluminum siding… more

Episode #222

Installing curved baseboards, buying wire by the foot, a "Nite Ize Flashlight Friend," and making maple syrup… more

Episode #221

Fixing a steam radiator, a "Molemover" and an invisible nailing kit, and preparing a raised garden bed for winter… more

Episode #220

Installing a programmable thermostat , a snowball maker and garage stopper, and fixing a plaster and lath wall… more

Episode #219

Cutting glass, planting vines, a stud finder and tile spacers, and venting a portable air conditioner… more

Episode #218

Deterring deer, making PVC connections, pipe plugs, and fixing a sagging shower door… more

Episode #217

Wiring for outdoor speakers, a Japanese chalk line, and planting a tree… more

Episode #216

Testing water quality, a duster and downspout diverter, and replacing a damaged floorboard… more

Episode #215

Repairing sliding doors, an electrical cord connector and ellipse marking tool, electric radiant heat, and selecting paint colors… more

Episode #214

Installing a brick walkway, a maple sugaring spile and "Sand Anchor" umbrella holder, and cutting accurate miters… more

Episode #213

Quieting hardwood floors, a garden sieve and heavy-duty twist-tie, and building timber steps… more

Episode #212

Drip irrigation repair, a "Sander Sitter" and "Forearm Forklifts," and fixing a leaky tile in a tub… more

Episode #211

Adding a stairway handrail, a grout saw and tile cutter, and transplanting a rhododendron… more

Episode #210

Installing a chimney liner, a proportioning tool, and a toilet anti-sweat valve… more

Episode #209

Removing poison ivy, a steel center square and pencil leash, and shingling an outside corner… more

Episode #208

Installing an engineered wood floor, and replacing a sink's pop-up drain… more

Episode #207

Planting ground cover, and opening stuck windows… more

Episode #206

Installing window trim, landscape camouflage, a "tape dolly," and fixing a kitchen spray hose… more

Episode #205

Installing a drywell, a spray paint shaker and magnetic pickup tool, and adding a shower grip bar… more

Episode #204

Patching drywall, sanding blocks and an antique clapboard gauge, and replacing an aged toilet… more

Episode #203

A slate walk, EZ Lift handles and eye-bolt driver, and repairing a shower stall leak … more

Episode #202

Securing a newel post, a nut splitter and paint scraper, and replacing a water heater… more

Episode #201

Installing a deadbolt, trimming a hedge, and installing an indirect hot water heater… more